Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a first source line and a second source line, a first main pixel electrode of a strip shape, a second main pixel electrode of a strip shape. The first substrate is configured such that a first distance between the first main pixel electrode and the first source line is less than a second distance between the first main pixel electrode and the second source line, and a third distance between the second main pixel electrode and the first source line is greater than a fourth distance between the second main pixel electrode and the second source line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2012-122316, filed May 29, 2012, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a liquid crystaldisplay device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, in active matrix liquid crystal devices in whichswitching elements are incorporated in respective pixels,configurations, which make use of a lateral electric field (including afringe electric field), such as an IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode or anFFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, have been put to practical use. Sucha liquid crystal display device of the lateral electric field modeincludes pixel electrodes and a counter-electrode, which are formed onan array substrate, and liquid crystal molecules are switched by alateral electric field which is substantially parallel to a majorsurface of the array substrate. In connection with the lateral electricfield mode, there has been proposed a technique wherein a lateralelectric field or an oblique electric field is produced between a pixelelectrode formed on an array substrate and a counter-electrode formed ona counter-substrate, thereby switching liquid crystal molecules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view which schematically illustrates a structure and anequivalent circuit of a liquid crystal display device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view which schematically shows a structure example ofone pixel at a time when an array substrate shown in FIG. 1 is viewedfrom a counter-substrate side.

FIG. 3 is a plan view which schematically shows a structure example ofone pixel in a counter-substrate shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken along line A-B in FIG.3, showing a cross-sectional structure of a liquid crystal display panelshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken along line C-D in FIG.3, showing a cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal displaypanel shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for describing a first structure example ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view for describing another example of the firststructure example.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view for describing a second structure example ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view for describing another example of the secondstructure example.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view for describing a third structure example ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view for describing a fourth structure example ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the definition of a crosstalk ratiowhich is introduced in the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display deviceincludes: a first substrate including a first source line and a secondsource line which are disposed with a distance in a first direction andextend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from afirst area on a video signal write start side to a second area on avideo signal write end side, a first main pixel electrode of a stripshape which is electrically connected to the first source line in thefirst area, is located between the first source line and the secondsource line and extends in the second direction, a second main pixelelectrode of a strip shape which is electrically connected to the firstsource line in the second area, is located between the first source lineand the second source line and extends in the second direction, a firstmain common electrode opposed to the first source line, and a secondmain common electrode having the same potential as the first main commonelectrode and opposed to the second source line, the first substratebeing configured such that a first distance between the first main pixelelectrode and the first source line is less than a second distancebetween the first main pixel electrode and the second source line, and athird distance between the second main pixel electrode and the firstsource line is greater than a fourth distance between the second mainpixel electrode and the second source line; a second substrate disposedto be opposed to the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer heldbetween the first substrate and the second substrate.

According to another embodiment, a liquid crystal display deviceincludes: a first substrate including a first source line and a secondsource line which are disposed with a distance in a first direction andextend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from afirst area on a video signal write start side to a second area on avideo signal write end side, a first main pixel electrode of a stripshape which is electrically connected to the first source line in thefirst area, is located between the first source line and the secondsource line and extends in the second direction, a second main pixelelectrode of a strip shape which is electrically connected to the firstsource line in the second area, is located between the first source lineand the second source line and extends in the second direction, a firstmain common electrode opposed to the first source line, and a secondmain common electrode having the same potential as the first main commonelectrode and opposed to the second source line, the first substratebeing configured such that a first width of that portion of the firstmain common electrode, which extends from the first source line towardthe first main pixel electrode, is less than a second width of thatportion of the second main common electrode, which extends from thesecond source line toward the first main pixel electrode, and a thirdwidth of that portion of the first main common electrode, which extendsfrom the first source line toward the second main pixel electrode, isgreater than a fourth width of that portion of the second main commonelectrode, which extends from the second source line toward the secondmain pixel electrode; a second substrate disposed to be opposed to thefirst substrate; and a liquid crystal layer held between the firstsubstrate and the second substrate.

According to another embodiment, a liquid crystal display deviceincludes: a first substrate including a first storage capacitance linelocated in a first area on a video signal write start side and extendingin a first direction, a second storage capacitance line located in asecond area on a video signal write end side and extending in the firstdirection, a first source line and a second source line which aredisposed with a distance in the first direction and extend in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction from the first area tothe second area, a first main pixel electrode of a strip shape which iselectrically connected to the first source line in the first area, islocated between the first source line and the second source line andextends in the second direction, a second main pixel electrode of astrip shape which is electrically connected to the first source line inthe second area, is located between the first source line and the secondsource line and extends in the second direction, a first main commonelectrode opposed to the first source line, and a second main commonelectrode having the same potential as the first main common electrodeand opposed to the second source line, the first storage capacitanceline including a first electrode portion extending with a first widthtoward the first main pixel electrode from the first source line, and asecond electrode portion extending with a second width, which is greaterthan the first width, toward the first main pixel electrode from thesecond source line, and the second storage capacitance line including athird electrode portion extending with a third width toward the secondmain pixel electrode from the first source line, and a fourth electrodeportion extending with a fourth width, which is less than the thirdwidth, toward the second main pixel electrode from the second sourceline; a second substrate disposed to be opposed to the first substrate;and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and thesecond substrate.

Embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, structural elements having thesame or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals, and anoverlapping description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a view which schematically shows a structure and an equivalentcircuit of a liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment.

The liquid crystal display device includes an active-matrix-type liquidcrystal display panel LPN. The liquid crystal display panel LPN includesan array substrate AR which is a first substrate, a counter-substrate CTwhich is a second substrate that is disposed to be opposed to the arraysubstrate AR, and a liquid crystal layer LQ which is held between thearray substrate AR and the counter-substrate CT. The liquid crystaldisplay panel LPN includes an active area ACT which displays an image.The active area ACT is composed of a plurality of pixels PX which arearrayed in a matrix of m×n (m and n are positive integers).

The liquid crystal display panel LPN includes, in the active area ACT,gate lines G (G1 to Gn), storage capacitance lines C (C1 to Cn), andsource lines S (S1 to Sm). The gate lines G correspond to signal lineswhich extend, for example, substantially linearly in a first directionX. The source lines S cross the gate lines G. The source lines Scorrespond to signal lines which extend substantially linearly in asecond direction Y crossing the first direction X. In this example, thefirst direction X and the second direction Y are substantiallyperpendicular to each other.

Each of the gate lines G is led out of the active area ACT and isconnected to a gate driver GD. Each of the source lines S is led out ofthe active area ACT and is connected to a source driver SD. At leastparts of the gate driver GD and source driver SD are formed on, forexample, the array substrate AR. The gate driver GD and source driver SDare connected to a driving IC chip 2 which incorporates a controller.

Each of the pixels PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrodePE and a common electrode CE. A storage capacitance CS is formed, forexample, between the storage capacitance line C and the pixel electrodePE. The storage capacitance line C is electrically connected to avoltage application module VCS to which a storage capacitance voltage isapplied.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel LPN isconfigured such that the pixel electrodes PE are formed on the arraysubstrate AR, and at least a part of the common electrode CE is formedon the counter-substrate CT, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquidcrystal layer LQ are switched by mainly using an electric field which isproduced between the pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE.The electric field, which is produced between the pixel electrodes PEand the common electrode CE, is an oblique electric field which isslightly inclined to an X-Y plane (or a substrate major surface) whichis defined by the first direction X and second direction Y (or a lateralelectric field which is substantially parallel to the substrate majorsurface).

The switching element SW is composed of, for example, an n-channelthin-film transistor (TFT). The switching element SW is electricallyconnected to the gate line G and source line S. The switching element SWmay be of a top gate type or a bottom gate type. In addition, asemiconductor layer of the switching element SW is formed of, forexample, polysilicon, but it may be formed of amorphous silicon.

The pixel electrodes PE are disposed in the respective pixels PX, andare electrically connected to the switching elements SW. The commonelectrode CE has, for example, a common potential, and is disposedcommon to the pixel electrodes PE of plural pixels PX via the liquidcrystal layer LQ. The pixel electrodes PE and common electrode CE areformed of, for example, a transparent, electrically conductive materialsuch as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but they maybe formed of some other electrically conductive material such as anopaque wiring material.

The array substrate AR includes a power supply module VS for applying avoltage to the common electrode CE. The power supply module VS isformed, for example, on the outside of the active area ACT. The commonelectrode CE of the counter-substrate CT is led out to the outside ofthe active area ACT, and is electrically connected to the power supplymodule VS via an electrically conductive member (not shown).

Next, the basic structure of one pixel disposed in the active area willbe described.

FIG. 2 is a plan view which schematically shows a structure example ofone pixel PX at a time when the array substrate AR shown in FIG. 1 isviewed from the counter-substrate side. FIG. 2 is a plan view in an X-Yplane.

The array substrate AR includes a gate line GN, a gate line G(N+1), astorage capacitance line CN, a source line S1, a source line S2, aswitching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, and a first alignment filmAL1 (N is a positive integer). In the first structure exampleillustrated, the array substrate AR further includes a first commonelectrode CE1 which is a part of the common electrode CE.

In the example illustrated, as indicated by a broken line, the pixel PXhas a rectangular shape having a less length in the first direction Xthan in the second direction Y. The gate line GN and gate line G(N+1)are disposed with a distance in the second direction Y, and extend inthe first direction X. The storage capacitance line CN is disposedbetween the gate line GN and gate line G(N+1), and extends in the firstdirection X. In the example illustrated, the storage capacitance line CNis located at a substantially middle point between the gate line GN andthe gate line G(N+1). The source line S1 and source line S2 are disposedwith a distance in the first direction X, and extend in the seconddirection Y. The length of the pixel PX in the first direction Xcorresponds to the pitch between the source line S1 and source line S2in the first direction X. The length of the pixel PX in the seconddirection Y corresponds to the pitch between the gate line GN and gateline G(N+1) in the second direction Y. The pixel electrode PE isdisposed between the neighboring source line S1 and source line S2. Inaddition, the pixel electrode PE is disposed between the gate line GNand gate line G(N+1).

In the pixel PX illustrated, the source line S1 is disposed at a leftside end portion, the source line S2 is disposed at a right side endportion, the gate line GN is disposed at an upper side end portion, andthe gate line G(N+1) is disposed at a lower side end portion. Strictlyspeaking, the source line S1 is disposed to extend over a boundarybetween the pixel PX and a pixel neighboring on the left side, thesource line S2 is disposed to extend over a boundary between the pixelPX and a pixel neighboring on the right side, the gate line GN isdisposed to extend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixelneighboring on the upper side, and the gate line G(N+1) is disposed toextend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixel neighboring onthe lower side.

The switching element SW, in the illustrated example, is electricallyconnected to the gate line GN and source line S1. The switching elementSW is provided at an intersection between the gate line GN and sourceline S1. The gate electrode of the switching element SW is electricallyconnected to the gate line GN. The source electrode of the switchingelement SW is electrically connected to the source line S1. The drainelectrode of the switching element SW, which is connected to a drainwiring extending along the source line S1 and storage capacitance lineCN, is electrically connected to the pixel electrode PE.

The pixel electrode PE includes a main pixel electrode PA and asub-pixel electrode PB. The main pixel electrode PA and sub-pixelelectrode PB are formed integral or continuous, and are electricallyconnected to each other. The main pixel electrode PA is located betweenthe source line S1 and source line S2, and linearly extends in thesecond direction Y to the vicinity of the upper side end portion of thepixel PX and to the vicinity of the lower side end portion of the pixelPX. In the example illustrated, the main pixel electrode PA is locatedat a substantially middle point between the source line S1 and sourceline S2. Specifically, a distance L1 in the first direction X betweenthe source line S1 and main pixel electrode PA is substantially equal toa distance L2 in the first direction X between the source line S2 andmain pixel electrode PA. The main pixel electrode PA is formed in astrip shape having a substantially uniform width in the first directionX.

The sub-pixel electrode PB is located at a substantially central part ofthe pixel PX, and linearly extends in the first direction X. In theexample illustrated, the sub-pixel electrode PB is located at a positionoverlapping the storage capacitance line CN, and crosses a substantiallymiddle portion in the second direction Y of the main pixel electrode PA.In other words, the sub-pixel electrode PB extends from the main pixelelectrode PA towards both the source line S1 and source line S2. Thesub-pixel electrode PB is electrically connected to the switchingelement SW at a position overlapping the storage capacitance line CN.Although the sub-pixel electrode PB is formed in a strip shape having asubstantially uniform width in the second direction Y, the shape of thesub-pixel electrode PB is not limited to this example. Although thesub-pixel electrode PB is provided in order to form a greater number ofdomains in one pixel, as will be described later, the sub-pixelelectrode PB2 may be omitted in the present embodiment.

The first common electrode CE1 includes a first main common electrodeCA1 and a first sub-common electrode CB1. The first main commonelectrode CA1 and first sub-common electrode CB1 are formed integral orcontinuous, and are electrically connected to each other. The first maincommon electrode CA1, in the X-Y plane, is located on both sides of themain pixel electrode PA, and linearly extends in the second direction Y.The first main common electrode CA1 is formed at a position opposed tothe source line S. The first main common electrode CA1 is formed in astrip shape having a substantially uniform width in the first directionX. In the example illustrated, the first main common electrode CA1includes two first main common electrodes arranged in parallel with adistance in the first direction X, namely a first main common electrodeCAL1 disposed at the left side end portion of the pixel PX, and a firstmain common electrode CAR1 disposed at the right side end portion of thepixel PX. Strictly speaking, the first main common electrode CAL1 isdisposed to extend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixelneighboring on the left side, and the first main common electrode CAR1is disposed to extend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixelneighboring on the right side. The first main common electrode CAL1 isopposed to the source line S1, and the first main common electrode CAR1is opposed to the source line S2. In the meantime, although the firstmain common electrode CA1 is provided, for example, in order to shieldan undesired electric field from the source line S, the first maincommon electrode CA1 may be omitted in the present embodiment.

The first sub-common electrode CB1, in the X-Y plane, linearly extendsin the first direction X. The first sub-common electrode CB1 is formedat a position opposed to the gate line G. The first sub-common electrodeCB1 is formed in a strip shape. Incidentally, the width of the firstsub-common electrode CB1 in the second direction Y may not necessarilybe uniform. In the example illustrated, the first sub-common electrodeCB1 includes two first sub-common electrodes arranged in parallel with adistance in the second direction Y, namely a first sub-common electrodeCBU1 disposed at the upper side end portion of the pixel PX, and a firstsub-common electrode CBB1 disposed at the lower side end portion of thepixel PX. Strictly speaking, the first sub-common electrode CBU1 isdisposed to extend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixelneighboring on the upper side, and the first sub-common electrode CBB1is disposed to extend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixelneighboring on the lower side. Specifically, in the example illustrated,the first common electrode CE1 is formed of the first main commonelectrode CA1 and first sub-common electrode CB1 in a grid shape whichpartitions the pixel PX. The first sub-common electrode CBU1 is opposedto the gate line GN. The first sub-common electrode CBB1 is opposed tothe gate line G(N+1). In the meantime, although the first sub-commonelectrode CB1 is provided, for example, in order to shield an undesiredelectric field from the gate line G, the first sub-common electrode CB1may be omitted in the present embodiment.

Paying attention to the positional relationship between the pixelelectrode PE and the first common electrode CE1, the main pixelelectrode PA and first main common electrode CA1 are substantiallyparallel in the X-Y plane, and are alternately arranged in the firstdirection X. Specifically, one main pixel electrode PA is locatedbetween the first main common electrode CAL1 and first main commonelectrode CAR1 which neighbor with a distance in the first direction X(or between the neighboring source lines).

In the array substrate AR, the pixel electrode PE and first commonelectrode CE1 are covered with the first alignment film AL1. The firstalignment film AL1 is subjected to alignment treatment (e.g. rubbingtreatment or optical alignment treatment) in a first alignment treatmentdirection PD1 for initially aligning the liquid crystal molecules of theliquid crystal layer LQ. The first alignment treatment direction PD1, inwhich the first alignment film AL1 initially aligns the liquid crystalmolecules, is substantially parallel to the second direction Y.

FIG. 3 is a plan view which schematically shows a structure example ofone pixel PX in the counter-substrate CT shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows aplan view in the X-Y plane. FIG. 3 shows only structural parts that arenecessary for the description, and the pixel electrode PE and firstcommon electrode CE1, which are main parts of the array substrate, areindicated by broken lines.

The counter-substrate CT includes a second common electrode CE2 which isa part of the common electrode CE. The second common electrode CE2includes a second main common electrode CA2 and a second sub-commonelectrode CB2. The second main common electrode CA2 and secondsub-common electrode CB2 are formed integral or continuous, and areelectrically connected to each other. In addition, the second maincommon electrode CA2 and second sub-common electrode CB2 areelectrically connected to the first common electrode CE1 which isprovided on the array substrate, for example, on the outside of theactive area, and have the same potential as the first common electrodeCE1.

The second main common electrode CA2, in the X-Y plane, is located onboth sides of the main pixel electrode PA, and linearly extends in thesecond direction Y. The second main common electrode CA2 is formed at aposition opposed to the first main common electrode CA1. The second maincommon electrode CA2 is formed in a strip shape having a substantiallyuniform width in the first direction X. In the example illustrated, thesecond main common electrode CA2 includes two second main commonelectrodes arranged in parallel with a distance in the first directionX, namely a second main common electrode CAL2 disposed at the left sideend portion of the pixel PX, and a second main common electrode CAR2disposed at the right side end portion of the pixel PX. Strictlyspeaking, the second main common electrode CAL2 is disposed to extendover a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixel neighboring on the leftside, and the second main common electrode CAR2 is disposed to extendover a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixel neighboring on theright side. The second main common electrode CAL2 is opposed to thefirst main common electrode CAL1. The second main common electrode CAR2is opposed to the first main common electrode CAR1.

The second sub-common electrode CB2, in the X-Y plane, linearly extendsin the first direction X. The second sub-common electrode CB2 is formedat a position opposed to the first sub-common electrode CB1. The secondsub-common electrode CB2 is formed in a strip shape having asubstantially uniform width in the second direction Y. In the exampleillustrated, the second sub-common electrode CB2 includes two secondsub-common electrodes arranged in parallel with a distance in the seconddirection Y, namely a second sub-common electrode CBU2 disposed at theupper side end portion of the pixel PX, and a second sub-commonelectrode CBB2 disposed at the lower side end portion of the pixel PX.Strictly speaking, the second sub-common electrode CBU2 is disposed toextend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixel neighboring onthe upper side, and the second sub-common electrode CBB2 is disposed toextend over a boundary between the pixel PX and a pixel neighboring onthe lower side. Specifically, in the counter-substrate CT, the secondcommon electrode CE2 is formed of the second main common electrode CA2and second sub-common electrode CB2 in a grid shape which partitions thepixel PX. The second sub-common electrode CBU2 is opposed to the firstsub-common electrode CBU1, and the second sub-common electrode CBB2 isopposed to the first sub-common electrode CBB1.

In the counter-substrate CT, the second common electrode CE2 is coveredwith the second alignment film AL2. The second alignment film AL2 issubjected to alignment treatment (e.g. rubbing treatment or opticalalignment treatment) in a second alignment treatment direction PD2 forinitially aligning the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystallayer LQ. The second alignment treatment direction PD2, in which thesecond alignment film AL2 initially aligns the liquid crystal molecules,is substantially parallel to the first alignment treatment directionPD1. In the example illustrated, the second alignment treatmentdirection PD2 and the first alignment treatment direction PD1 areidentical. In the meantime, the first alignment treatment direction PD1and the second alignment treatment direction PD2 may be opposite to eachother, or may be identical in a direction reverse to the direction inthe illustrated example, that is, in a direction from the gate lineG(N+1) toward the gate line GN.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken along line A-B in FIG.3, showing a cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN shown in FIG. 3, as viewed from the gate line G(N+1) side.FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken along line C-D in FIG.3, showing a cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN shown in FIG. 3, as viewed from the source line S1 side. FIG.4 and FIG. 5 show only parts which are necessary for the description.

A backlight 4 is disposed on the back side of the array substrate ARwhich constitutes the liquid crystal display panel LPN. Various modesare applicable to the backlight 4. A description of the detailedstructure of the backlight 4 is omitted.

The array substrate AR is formed by using a first insulative substrate10 having light transmissivity. The array substrate AR includes, on theinside of the first insulative substrate 10, that is, on the side facingthe counter-substrate CT, a gate line GN, a gate line G(N+1), a storagecapacitance line CN, a source line S1, a source line S2, a pixelelectrode PE, a first common electrode CE1, a first insulation film 11,a second insulation film 12, a third insulation film 13, and a firstalignment film AL1.

A semiconductor layer SC of polysilicon of the switching element, whichis not described in detail, is formed between the first insulativesubstrate 10 and first insulation film 11. The storage capacitance lineCN, gate line GN and gate line G(N+1) are formed on the first insulationfilm 11, and are covered with the second insulation film 12. The sourceline S1 and source line S2 are formed on the second insulation film 12and are covered with the third insulation film 13. The third insulationfilm 13 is formed of a transparent resin material. The third insulationfilm 13 reduces stepped portions between the source lines S and thesecond insulation film 12. The surface of the third insulation film 13is planarized. The thickness of the third insulation film 13 is, e.g. 1μm or less.

The main pixel electrode PA and sub-pixel electrode PB of the pixelelectrode PE, and the first main common electrode CAL1, first maincommon electrode CAR1, first sub-common electrode CBU1 and firstsub-common electrode CBB1 of the first common electrode CE1, are formedon the third insulation film 13. Specifically, the pixel electrode PEand first common electrode CE1 are formed in the same layer and areformed of the same material, for instance, ITO. The first main commonelectrode CAL1 is located above the source line S1. The first maincommon electrode CAR1 is located above the source line S2. The firstsub-common electrode CBU1 is located above the gate line GN. The firstsub-common electrode CBB1 is located above the gate line G(N+1). Themain pixel electrode PA is located between the neighboring first maincommon electrode CAL1 and first main common electrode CAR1. Thesub-pixel electrode PB is located between the neighboring firstsub-common electrode CBU1 and first sub-common electrode CBB1.

In the meantime, in the example illustrated, a capacitance, which isnecessary for driving the pixel, is produced between the semiconductorlayer SC and storage capacitance line CN which are opposed to each othervia the first insulation film 11, and between the storage capacitanceline CN and sub-pixel electrode PB which are opposed to each other viathe second insulation film 12 and third insulation film 13.

The first alignment film AL1 is disposed on that surface of the arraysubstrate AR, which is opposed to the counter-substrate CT, and thefirst alignment film AL1 extends over substantially the entirety of theactive area ACT. The first alignment film AL1 covers the pixel electrodePE and the first common electrode CE1, and is also disposed on the thirdinsulation film 13. The first alignment film AL1 is formed of a materialwhich exhibits horizontal alignment properties.

The counter-substrate CT is formed by using a second insulativesubstrate 20 having light transmissivity. The counter-substrate CTincludes a black matrix BM, a color filter CF, an overcoat layer OC,second common electrode CE2 and second alignment film AL2, on the insideof the second insulative substrate 20, that is, on that side of thesecond insulative substrate 20, which is opposed to the array substrateAR.

The black matrix BM partitions each pixel PX and forms an apertureportion AP. Specifically, the black matrix BM is disposed so as to beopposed to wiring portions, such as the source lines S, gate lines G andswitching elements SW. In the example illustrated, the black matrix BMincludes portions which are located above the source line S1 and sourceline S2 and extend in the second direction Y, and portions which arelocated above the gate line GN and gate line G(N+1) and extend in thefirst direction X, and the black matrix BM is formed in a grid shape.The black matrix BM is disposed on an inner surface 20A of the secondinsulative substrate 20, which is opposed to the array substrate AR.

The color filter CF is disposed in association with each pixel PX.Specifically, the color filter CF is disposed on an inside partitionedby the black matrix BM on the inner surface 20A of the second insulativesubstrate 20, and a part of the color filter CF extends over the blackmatrix BM. Color filters CF, which are disposed in the pixels PXneighboring in the first direction X, have mutually different colors.For example, the color filters CF are formed of resin materials whichare colored in three primary colors of red, blue and green. A red colorfilter, which is formed of a resin material that is colored in red, isdisposed in association with a red pixel. A blue color filter, which isformed of a resin material that is colored in blue, is disposed inassociation with a blue pixel. A green color filter, which is formed ofa resin material that is colored in green, is disposed in associationwith a green pixel. Boundaries between these color filters CF arelocated at positions overlapping the black matrix BM.

The overcoat layer OC covers the color filters CF. The overcoat layer OCreduces the effect of asperities on the surface of the color filters CF.The overcoat layer OC is formed of, for example, a transparent resinmaterial.

The second main common electrode CAL2, second main common electrodeCAR2, second sub-common electrode CBU2 and second sub-common electrodeCBB2 of the second common electrode CE2 are formed on that side of theovercoat layer OC, which is opposed to the array substrate AR, and arelocated below the black matrix BM. The first main common electrode CAL1is located below the second main common electrode CAL2. The first maincommon electrode CAR1 is located below the second main common electrodeCAR2. The first sub-common electrode CBU1 is located below the secondsub-common electrode CBU2. The first sub-common electrode CBB1 islocated below the second sub-common electrode CBB2. In the apertureportion AP, regions between the pixel electrode PE and the first commonelectrode CE1 and second common electrode CE2 correspond to transmissiveregions through which backlight can pass.

The second alignment film AL2 is disposed on that surface of thecounter-substrate CT, which is opposed to the array substrate AR, andthe second alignment film AL2 extends over substantially the entirety ofthe active area ACT. The second alignment film AL2 covers the secondcommon electrode CE2 and the overcoat layer OC. The second alignmentfilm AL2 is formed of a material which exhibits horizontal alignmentproperties.

The above-described array substrate AR and counter-substrate CT aredisposed such that their first alignment film AL1 and second alignmentfilm AL2 are opposed to each other. In this case, columnar spacers,which are formed of, e.g. a resin material so as to be integral to oneof the array substrate AR and counter-substrate CT, are disposed betweenthe first alignment film AL1 of the array substrate AR and the secondalignment film AL2 of the counter-substrate CT. Thereby, a predeterminedcell gap, for example, a cell gap of 2 to 7 μm, is created. The arraysubstrate AR and counter-substrate CT are attached by a sealant on theoutside of the active area ACT in the state in which the predeterminedcell gap is created therebetween. The liquid crystal layer LQ is held inthe cell gap which is created between the array substrate AR and thecounter-substrate CT, and is disposed between the first alignment filmAL1 and second alignment film AL2. The liquid crystal layer LQ iscomposed of, for example, a liquid crystal material having a positive(positive-type) dielectric constant anisotropy.

A first optical element OD1 is attached to an outer surface of the arraysubstrate AR, that is, an outer surface 10B of the first insulativesubstrate 10. The first optical element OD1 is located on that side ofthe liquid crystal display panel LPN, which is opposed to the backlight4, and controls the polarization state of incident light which entersthe liquid crystal display panel LPN from the backlight 4. The firstoptical element OD1 includes a first polarizer PL1 having a firstpolarization axis AX1. In the meantime, another optical element, such asa retardation plate, may be disposed between the first polarizer PL1 andthe first insulative substrate 10.

A second optical element OD2 is attached to an outer surface of thecounter-substrate CT, that is, an outer surface 20B of the secondinsulative substrate 20. The second optical element OD2 is located onthe display surface side of the liquid crystal display panel LPN, andcontrols the polarization state of emission light emerging from theliquid crystal display panel LPN. The second optical element OD2includes a second polarizer PL2 having a second polarization axis AX2.In the meantime, another optical element, such as a retardation plate,may be disposed between the second polarizer PL2 and the secondinsulative substrate 20.

The first polarization axis AX1 of the first polarizer PL1 and thesecond polarization axis AX2 of the second polarizer PL2 have asubstantially orthogonal positional relationship (crossed Nicols). Inthis case, one of the polarizers is disposed, for example, such that thepolarization axis thereof is substantially parallel or substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of extension of the main pixel electrodePA or the initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules.Specifically, when the direction of extension of the main pixelelectrode PA or the initial alignment direction of liquid crystalmolecules is the second direction Y, the absorption axis of one of thepolarizers is substantially parallel to the second direction Y orsubstantially perpendicular to the second direction Y. In an exampleshown in part (a) of FIG. 3, the first polarizer PL1 is disposed suchthat the first polarization axis AX1 thereof is parallel to the firstdirection X, and the second polarizer PL2 is disposed such that thesecond polarization axis AX2 thereof is parallel to the second directionY. In an example shown in part (b) of FIG. 3, the second polarizer PL2is disposed such that the second polarization axis AX2 thereof isparallel to the first direction X, and the first polarizer PL1 isdisposed such that the first polarization axis AX1 thereof is parallelto the second direction Y.

Next, the operation of the liquid crystal display panel LPN having theabove-described structure is described.

Specifically, in a state in which no voltage is applied to the liquidcrystal layer LQ, that is, in a state (OFF time) in which no electricfield is produced between the pixel electrode PE and common electrodeCE, the liquid crystal molecule LM of the liquid crystal layer LQ isaligned such that the major axis thereof is positioned in the firstalignment treatment direction PD1 of the first alignment film AL1 andthe second alignment treatment direction PD2 of the second alignmentfilm AL2. This OFF time corresponds to the initial alignment state, andthe alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecule LM at the OFFtime corresponds to the initial alignment direction.

In the meantime, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystalmolecule LM corresponds to a direction in which the major axis of theliquid crystal molecule LM at the OFF time is orthogonally projectedonto the X-Y plane. In this example, the first alignment treatmentdirection PD1 and the second alignment treatment direction PD2 aresubstantially parallel to the second direction Y and are identical. Theliquid crystal molecule LM at the OFF time is initially aligned suchthat the major axis thereof is substantially parallel to the seconddirection Y, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3. In short, theinitial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecule LM isparallel to the second direction Y.

In the cross section of the liquid crystal layer LQ, the liquid crystalmolecules LM are substantially horizontally aligned (the pre-tilt angleis substantially zero) in the middle part of the liquid crystal layerLQ, and the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned with such pre-tiltangles that the liquid crystal molecules LM become symmetric in thevicinity of the array substrate AR (i.e. in the vicinity of firstalignment film AL1) and in the vicinity of the counter-substrate CT(i.e. in the vicinity of second alignment film AL2), with respect to themiddle part as the boundary (splay alignment). In the meantime, when thefirst alignment treatment direction PD1 and the second alignmenttreatment direction PD2 are parallel and opposite to each other, theliquid crystal molecules LM are aligned with substantially equalpre-tilt angles, in the cross section of the liquid crystal layer LQ, inthe vicinity of the first alignment film AL1, in the vicinity of thesecond alignment film AL2, and in the middle part of the liquid crystallayer LQ (homogeneous alignment).

At this OFF time, part of light from the backlight 4 passes through thefirst polarizer PL1, and enters the liquid crystal display panel LPN.The light, which has entered the liquid crystal display panel LPN, islinearly polarized light which is perpendicular to the firstpolarization axis AX1 of the first polarizer PL1. The polarization stateof linearly polarized light hardly varies when the light passes throughthe liquid crystal layer LQ at the OFF time. Thus, the linearlypolarized light, which has passed through the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN, is absorbed by the second polarizer PL2 that is in thepositional relationship of crossed Nicols in relation to the firstpolarizer PL1 (black display).

On the other hand, in a state in which a voltage is applied to theliquid crystal layer LQ, that is, in a state (ON time) in which anelectric field is produced between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE (first common electrode CE1 and second common electrodeCE2), a lateral electric field (or an oblique electric field), which issubstantially parallel to the substrates, is produced between the pixelelectrode PE and the common electrode CE. The liquid crystal moleculesLM are affected by the electric field between the pixel electrode PE andcommon electrode CE, and the polarization state thereof varies. In theexample shown in FIG. 3, in the region between the pixel electrode PEand second main common electrode CRL2, the liquid crystal molecule LM ina lower-half region rotates clockwise relative to the second directionY, and is aligned in a lower left direction in the Figure, and theliquid crystal molecule LM in an upper-half region rotatescounterclockwise relative to the second direction Y, and is aligned inan upper left direction in the Figure. In the region between the pixelelectrode PE and second main common electrode CAR2, the liquid crystalmolecule LM in a lower-half region rotates counterclockwise relative tothe second direction Y, and is aligned in a lower right direction in theFigure, and the liquid crystal molecule LM in an upper-half regionrotates clockwise relative to the second direction Y, and is aligned inan upper right direction in the Figure.

As has been described above, in the state in which the electric field isproduced between the pixel electrode PE and common electrode CE in eachpixel PX, the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned in a plurality ofdirections, with boundaries at positions overlapping the pixelelectrodes PE, and domains are formed in the respective alignmentdirections.

Specifically, a plurality of domains is formed in one pixel PX.

At this ON time, the polarization state of linearly polarized light,which has entered the liquid crystal display panel LPN, varies dependingon the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules LM when the lightpasses through the liquid crystal layer LQ. Thus, at the ON time, atleast part of the light emerging from the liquid crystal layer LQ passesthrough the second polarizer PL2 (white display). However, at a positionoverlapping the pixel electrode or common electrode, since the liquidcrystal molecules maintain the initial alignment state, black display iseffected as in the case of the OFF time.

Next, a first structure example of the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for describing the first structure example.FIG. 6 shows only the structural parts which are necessary for thedescription. As regards the pixel electrode, FIG. 6 shows only the mainpixel electrode PA, and the depiction of the sub-pixel electrode isomitted. In the example illustrated, attention is paid to one column ofpixels located between the source line S1 and source line S2, and allthe pixel electrodes (main pixel electrodes PA1 to PA5 in FIG. 6), whichare located between the source line S1 and source line S2, areelectrically connected to the source line S1 via switching elements. Inaddition, the active area is composed of, for example, 480 lines. Inthis example, when a video signal of one frame is written in the activearea ACT, the write of the video signal starts from a 1st line (i.e. aline of pixels connected to the gate line G1) of the 480 lines of theactive area ACT, and the write of the video signal ends at a 480th line(i.e. a line of pixels connected to a gate line G480). Specifically, anarea on the video signal write start side is that area of the activearea ACT, which includes the gate line G1, and an area on the videosignal write end side is that area of the active area ACT, whichincludes the gate line G480. Incidentally, there is a case in which thewrite of the video signal starts from the 480th line, and the write ofthe video signal ends at the 1st line. In this case, the area on thevideo signal write start side is that area of the active area ACT, whichincludes the gate line G480, and the area on the video signal write endside is that area of the active area ACT, which includes the gate lineG1. Each of the source line S1 and source line S2 extends from the writestart side to the write end side.

The active area ACT includes, for example, 5 areas. Specifically, theactive area ACT includes a first area A1 located on the write startside, a second area A2 in which the video signal is written followingthe first area A1, a third area A3 in which the video signal is writtenfollowing the second area A2, a fourth area A4 in which the video signalis written following the first area A3, and a fifth area A5 in which thevideo signal is written following the first area A4. The fifth area A5in this case corresponds to an area located on the write end side. Inthis example, a description is given of the case in which the activearea ACT is composed of five areas, but the number of divisions of theactive area is not limited to 5.

The case in which equal numbers of lines are allocated to the five areasis now examined. Specifically, the first area A1 corresponds to an areafrom the gate line G1, which corresponds to the 1st line, to a gate lineG96, which corresponds to a 96th line. The second area A2 corresponds toan area from a gate line G97, which corresponds to a 97th line, to agate line G192, which corresponds to a 192nd line. The third area A3corresponds to an area from a gate line G193, which corresponds to a193rd line, to a gate line G288, which corresponds to a 288th line. Thefourth area A4 corresponds to an area from a gate line G289, whichcorresponds to a 289th line, to a gate line G384, which corresponds to a384th line. The fifth area A5 corresponds to an area from a gate lineG385, which corresponds to a 385th line, to a gate line G480, whichcorresponds to a 480th line. Incidentally, different numbers of linesmay be allocated to the five areas.

In the first area A1 on the write start side, a distance L11 between themain pixel electrode PA1 and the source line S1 is less than a distanceL12 between the main pixel electrode PA1 and the source line S2.Specifically, the main pixel electrode PA1 is located on the source lineS1 side of a center line O indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6, whichis located at an equidistant position from the source line S1 and sourceline S2. On the other hand, in the fifth area A5 on the write end side,a distance L51 between the main pixel electrode PA5 and the source lineS1 is greater than a distance L52 between the main pixel electrode PA5and the source line S2. Specifically, the main pixel electrode PA5 islocated on the source line S2 side of the center line O. For example,the distance L11 is 8 μm, the distance L12 is 12 μm, the distance L51 is12 μm, and the distance L52 is 8 μm. Each of the distances described inthis first structure example is a length in the first direction X.

In the third area A3 located at a middle point between the first area A1and fifth area A5, a distance L31 between the main pixel electrode PA3and source line S1 is substantially equal to a distance L32 between themain pixel electrode PA3 and source line S2. Specifically, the mainpixel electrode PA3 is located on the center line O. For example, eachof the distance L31 and distance L31 is 10 μm.

In the second area A2, a distance L21 between the main pixel electrodePA2 and the source line S1 is less than a distance L22 between the mainpixel electrode PA2 and the source line S2. However, the differencebetween the distance L21 and distance L22 in the second area A2 is lessthan the difference between the distance L11 and distance L12 in thesecond area A1. Specifically, although the main pixel electrode PA2 islocated on the source line S1 side of the center line O, the location ofthe main pixel electrode PA2 is biased to the center line O, compared tothe main pixel electrode PA1. For example, the distance L21 is 9 μm, andthe distance L22 is 11 μm.

In the fourth area A4, a distance L41 between the main pixel electrodePA4 and the source line S1 is greater than a distance L42 between themain pixel electrode PA4 and the source line S2. However, the differencebetween the distance L41 and distance L42 in the fourth area A4 is lessthan the difference between the distance L51 and distance L52 in thefifth area A5. Specifically, although the main pixel electrode PA4 islocated on the source line S2 side of the center line O, the location ofthe main pixel electrode PA4 is biased to the center line O, compared tothe main pixel electrode PA5. For example, the distance L41 is 11 μm,and the distance L42 is 9 μm.

In this manner, when attention is paid to the locations of the mainpixel electrodes PA in the columns of pixels between the source line S1and source line S2, the main pixel electrode PA on the write start sideis biased to the source line S1 which is connected to the main pixelelectrode PA. Toward the write end side from the write start side, themain pixel electrode PA shifts away from the source line S1. On thewrite end side, the main pixel electrode PA is biased to the source lineS2 (i.e. the source line which is not connected to the main pixelelectrode itself) which neighbors the source line S1. Incidentally, ineach of the first area A1 to fifth area A5, the distances between themain pixel electrode PA and the source line S1 and source line S2 maynot necessarily be fixed.

According to this first structure example, the influence of a leakelectric field from the source line S which neighbors the pixelelectrode PE can be relaxed, and degradation in display quality due tocrosstalk can be suppressed. This point will now be described.Specifically, an examination is made of a comparative example in whichall main pixel electrodes PA in the pixel column between the source lineS1 and source line S2 are located on the center line O. When thepolarity of a video signal, which is written from the source line S1, isdifferent from the polarity of a video signal, which is written from thesource line S2, a large potential difference is created between the mainpixel electrode PA and source line S2, and there is concern that avariation of pixel transmittance due to the effect of a leak electricfield from the source line S2 becomes non-negligible. For example, inthe case where a video signal of +5 V is supplied to the source line S1and a video signal of −5 V is supplied to the source line S2 at apredetermined timing in one frame period, relative to the commonpotential (0 V) of the common electrode CE, a large potential differencehardly occurs between the main pixel electrode PA and the source line S1since the potential of the main pixel electrode PA and the potential ofthe source line S1 are equal (each of these potentials is +5 V) or thesepotentials are of the same polarity (in the frame period in which themain pixel electrode PA is kept at a positive potential, the videosignal that is supplied to the source line S1 is of the positivepolarity). On the other hand, since the polarity of potential of themain pixel electrode PA is different from the polarity of potential ofthe source line S2 (for example, while the potential of the main pixelelectrode PA is kept at +5 V, the potential of the source line S2 is −5V), a large potential difference is produced between the main pixelelectrode PA and source line S2. Thus, since a desired electric field isproduced in the region between the main pixel electrode PA and sourceline S1 and liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a desired direction,a necessary transmittance is obtained in this region. On the other hand,an excessive electric field is produced in the region between the mainpixel electrode PA and source line S2, liquid crystal molecules are notaligned in a desired direction in this region, and there is case inwhich a necessary transmittance cannot be obtained in this region. Inthe case where an intermediate gray level (gray) is displayed in eachpixel, while a transmittance corresponding to gray display is obtainedin the region between the main pixel electrode PA and source line S1, ahigh transmittance close to white distance is obtained in the regionbetween the main pixel electrode PA and source line S2. Thus, a desiredtransmittance is not obtained in units of a pixel.

In addition, in the structure of the comparative example, when use ismade of such a driving method that the polarity of a video signalsupplied to each source line S is reversed on a frame-by-frame basis,there is higher susceptibility to the influence of a leak electric fieldfrom the source lines S. For example, there is a case in which thesource line S1 is supplied with a video signal of a positive polarity ina first frame and a video signal of a negative polarity in a secondframe following the first frame, while the source line S2 is suppliedwith a video signal of a negative polarity in the first frame and avideo signal of a positive polarity in the second frame. In this case, alarge potential difference is produced between the main pixel electrodePA located on the write end side and the source line S1, and there isconcern that a variation of pixel transmittance due to the effect of aleak electric field from the source line S1 becomes non-negligible. Forexample, in the case where a video signal of +5 V has been written inthe main pixel electrode PA, which is located on the write end side,from the source line S1 in the first frame, the potential of the mainpixel electrode PA is kept at +5 V immediately after the video signalwrite. Thus, no large potential difference is produced between the mainpixel electrode PA and the source line S1. However, if a video signal ofa negative polarity is supplied to the source line S1 in the secondframe, a large potential difference is produced between the main pixelelectrode PA and source line S1. At this time, in the second frame,since the potential of this main pixel electrode PA and the potential ofthe source line S2 are of the same polarity, no large potentialdifference is produced therebetween. Specifically, when theabove-described driving method is applied, a desired electric field isproduced in almost all frame periods in the region between the mainpixel electrode PA, which is located on the write end side, and thesource line S2, and liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a desireddirection, and therefore a necessary transmittance is obtained in thisregion. On the other hand, an excessive electric field is producedbetween the main pixel electrode PA and the source line S1, liquidcrystal molecules are not aligned in a desired direction, and there is acase in which a necessary transmittance cannot be obtained. Thus, in thecase where an intermediate gray level (gray) is displayed in each pixel,while a transmittance corresponding to gray display is obtained in theregion between the main pixel electrode PA and source line S2, a hightransmittance close to white distance is obtained in the region betweenthe main pixel electrode PA and source line S2. Thus, a desiredtransmittance is not obtained in units of a pixel. In the meantime, whenthis driving method is applied, a large potential difference is producedbetween the main pixel electrode PA, which is located on the write startside, and the source line S2, as described above, and there is aninfluence of a leak electric field from the source line S2.

As described above, in the structure of the comparative example, thereis a tendency that an undesired electric field is produced between themain pixel electrode, which is located on the video signal write startside, and the source line which is not connected to this main pixelelectrode, and there is a tendency that an undesired electric field isproduced between the main pixel electrode, which is located on the videosignal write end side, and the source line which is connected to thismain pixel electrode. In the meantime, in the intermediate area betweenthe write start side and the write end side, an undesired electric fieldis produced, in each frame, alternately between the main pixel electrodeand one of the source lines and between the main pixel electrode and theother of the source lines. However, since the undesired electric fieldis temporally averaged in units of two frames, a display defect is notso conspicuous.

According to the first structure example of the embodiment, the distanceL12 between the main pixel electrode located on the video signal writestart side, for instance, the main pixel electrode PA1 located in thefirst area A1, and the source line S2, which is not connected to thismain pixel electrode PA1, is greater than the distance L11 between themain pixel electrode PA1 and the source line S1 which is connected tothis main pixel electrode PA1. Thus, even under the condition that alarge potential difference is produced between the main pixel electrodePA1 and the source line S2, the influence of a leak electric field fromthe source line S2 can be relaxed. Specifically, while a desiredelectric field, which is to be normally produced, is produced in theregion between the main pixel electrode PA1 and the source line S1, theinfluence of an undesired leak electric field is relaxed even in theregion between the main pixel electrode PA1 and source line S2, and anelectric field which is equal to a desired electric field can beproduced in this region. Therefore, degradation in display quality onthe video signal write start side can be suppressed.

In addition, the distance L51 between the main pixel electrode locatedon the video signal write end side, for instance, the main pixelelectrode PA5 located in the fifth area A5, and the source line S1,which is connected to this main pixel electrode PA5, is greater than thedistance L52 between the main pixel electrode PA5 and the source line S2which is not connected to this main pixel electrode PA5. Thus, evenunder the condition that a large potential difference is producedbetween the main pixel electrode PA5 and the source line S1, theinfluence of a leak electric field from the source line S1 can berelaxed. Specifically, while a desired electric field, which is to benormally produced, is produced in the region between the main pixelelectrode PA5 and the source line S2, the influence of an undesired leakelectric field is relaxed even in the region between the main pixelelectrode PA5 and source line S1, and an electric field which is equalto a desired electric field can be produced in this region. Therefore,degradation in display quality on the video signal write end side can besuppressed.

In the meantime, the distance L31 between the main pixel electrodelocated between the write start side and the write end side, forinstance, the main pixel electrode PA3 located in the third area A3, andthe source line S1 is equal to the distance L32 between the main pixelelectrode PA3 and source line S2. However, as described above, since anundesired electric field is produced, in each frame, alternately betweenthe region, which is located between the main pixel electrode PA3 andsource line S1, and the region, which is located between the main pixelelectrode PA3 and the source line S2, a display defect is not soconspicuous.

Therefore, degradation in display quality on the video signal write endside can be suppressed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view for describing another example of the firststructure example. FIG. 7 shows only the structural parts which arenecessary for the description. The example shown in FIG. 7 differs fromthe example shown in FIG. 6 in that the pixel electrodes (main pixelelectrodes PA1 to PA5 in FIG. 7), which are located between the sourceline S1 and source line S2, are electrically connected in an alternatefashion to the source line S1 and source line S2 via switching elements.

In the example illustrated, in odd-numbered lines of the active areaACT, that is, in lines of pixels connected to gate lines G1, G3, G5, . .. , the main pixel electrodes PA are electrically connected to thesource line S1 via switching elements. In addition, in even-numberedlines of the active area ACT, that is, in lines of pixels connected togate lines G2, G4, G6, . . . , the main pixel electrodes PA areelectrically connected to the source line S2 via switching elements.

In this example, too, the distance between the main pixel electrodelocated on the video signal write start side and the source line, whichis not connected to this main pixel electrode, is greater than thedistance between the main pixel electrode and the source line which isconnected to this main pixel electrode. For example, the distancebetween a main pixel electrode PA11, which is connected to the gate lineG1, and the source line S2 is greater than the distance between the mainpixel electrode PA11 and the source line S1. In addition, the distancebetween a main pixel electrode PA12, which is connected to the gate lineG2, and the source line S1 is greater than the distance between the mainpixel electrode PA12 and the source line S2. Thus, like the exampleillustrated in FIG. 6, degradation in display quality on the videosignal write start side can be suppressed. Besides, the distance betweenthe main pixel electrode located on the video signal write end side andthe source line, which is connected to this main pixel electrode, isgreater than the distance between the main pixel electrode and thesource line which is not connected to this main pixel electrode. Forexample, the distance between a main pixel electrode PA51, which isconnected to a gate line G385, and the source line S1 is greater thanthe distance between the main pixel electrode PA51 and the source lineS2. In addition, the distance between a main pixel electrode PA52, whichis connected to a gate line G386, and the source line S2 is greater thanthe distance between the main pixel electrode PA52 and the source lineS1. Therefore, like the example illustrated in FIG. 6, degradation indisplay quality on the video signal write end side can be suppressed.

Next, a second structure example of the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view for describing the second structure example.FIG. 8 shows only the structural parts which are necessary for thedescription. The second structure example differs from the firststructure example in that, while the main pixel electrodes PA arelocated on the center line O from the first area A1 to fifth area A5 ofthe active area ACT, the widths of extension of first main commonelectrodes CAL1, which are opposed to the source line S1, toward themain pixel electrodes PA, and the widths of extension of second maincommon electrodes CAR1, which are opposed to the source line S2, towardthe main pixel electrodes PA, are different between the first area A1 tofifth area A5. In the description below, the “width” means a length inthe first direction X.

A more concrete description is now given. In the first area A1 on thewrite start side, a width W11 of that portion of the first main commonelectrode CAL1, which extends from the edge of the source line S1 towardthe main pixel electrode PA1, is less than a width W12 of that portionof the second main common electrode CAR1, which extends from the edge ofthe source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA1. The distancebetween the first main common electrode CAL1 and the main pixelelectrode PA1 is greater than the distance between the second maincommon electrode CAR1 and the main pixel electrode PA1.

On the other hand, in the fifth area A5 on the write end side, a widthW51 of that portion of the first main common electrode CAL1, whichextends from the edge of the source line S1 toward the main pixelelectrode PA5, is greater than a width W52 of that portion of the secondmain common electrode CAR1, which extends from the edge of the sourceline S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA5. The distance between thefirst main common electrode CAL1 and the main pixel electrode PA5 isless than the distance between the second main common electrode CAR1 andthe main pixel electrode PA5.

In the third area A3, a width W31 of that portion of the first maincommon electrode CAL1, which extends from the edge of the source line S1toward the main pixel electrode PA3, is substantially equal to a widthW32 of that portion of the second main common electrode CAR1, whichextends from the edge of the source line S2 toward the main pixelelectrode PA3. The distance between the first main common electrode CAL1and the main pixel electrode PA3 is substantially equal to the distancebetween the second main common electrode CAR1 and the main pixelelectrode PA3. In the second area A2, a width W21 of that portion of thefirst main common electrode CAL1, which extends from the edge of thesource line S1 toward the main pixel electrode PA2, is less than a widthW22 of that portion of the second main common electrode CAR1, whichextends from the edge of the source line S2 toward the main pixelelectrode PA2. The distance between the first main common electrode CAL1and the main pixel electrode PA2 is greater than the distance betweenthe second main common electrode CAR1 and the main pixel electrode PA2.However, the difference between the width W21 and width W22 in thesecond area A2 is less than the difference between the width W11 andwidth W12 in the second area A1. In short, the width W21 is greater thanthe width W11 and is less than the width W31. In addition, the width W22is less than the width W12 and is greater than the width W32. In thefourth area A4, a width W41 of that portion of the first main commonelectrode CAL1, which extends from the edge of the source line S1 towardthe main pixel electrode PA4, is greater than a width W42 of thatportion of the second main common electrode CAR1, which extends from theedge of the source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA4. Thedistance between the first main common electrode CAL1 and the main pixelelectrode PA4 is less than the distance between the second main commonelectrode CAR1 and the main pixel electrode PA4. However, the differencebetween the width W41 and width W42 in the fourth area A4 is less thanthe difference between the width W51 and width W52 in the fifth area A5.In short, the width W41 is greater than the width W31 and is less thanthe width W51. In addition, the width W42 is less than the width W32 andis greater than the width W52.

In this manner, when attention is paid to the locations of the firstmain common electrode CAL1 opposed to the source line S1 and the firstmain common electrode CAR1 opposed to the source line S2, the first maincommon electrode CAR1 opposed to the source line S2, which is notelectrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA, extends towardthe main pixel electrode PA with a greater width, on the write startside, than the first main common electrode CAL1 opposed to the sourceline S1 which is electrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA.Toward the write end side from the write start side, the width ofextension of the first main common electrode CAR1 toward the main pixelelectrode PA gradually decreases, and the width of extension of thefirst main common electrode CAL1 toward the main pixel electrode PAgradually increases. On the write end side, the first main commonelectrode CAL1 extends toward the main pixel electrode PA with a greaterwidth than the first main common electrode CAR1. Incidentally, in eachof the first area A1 to fifth area A5, the widths of extension of thefirst main common electrode CAL1 and first main common electrode CAR1toward the main pixel electrode PA may not necessarily be fixed.

According to this second structure example, on the write start side, aleak electric field from the source line S2, which is on the side thatis not connected to the main pixel electrode PA, can be shielded by thefirst main common electrode CAR1, and the first main common electrodeCAR1 can be located closer to the main pixel electrode PA, therebyincreasing an electric field between the first main common electrodeCAR1 and the main pixel electrode PA. In addition, on the write endside, a leak electric field from the source line S1, which is on theside that is connected to the main pixel electrode PA, can be shieldedby the first main common electrode CAL1, and the first main commonelectrode CAL1 can be located closer to the main pixel electrode PA,thereby increasing an electric field between the first main commonelectrode CAL1 and the main pixel electrode PA. Therefore, degradationin display quality can be suppressed.

In the meantime, the second structure example is not limited to theexample shown in FIG. 8, in which the first main common electrode CAL1and first main common electrode CAR1 are formed stepwise from the writestart side toward the write end side.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view for describing another example of the secondstructure example. The example shown in FIG. 9 differs from the exampleshown in FIG. 8 in that the first main common electrode CAL1 is opposedto the source line S1, while extending in an oblique direction to thedirection of extension of the source line S1, and the first main commonelectrode CAR1 is opposed to the source line S2, while extending in anoblique direction to the direction of extension of the source line S2.It should be noted, however, that the first main common electrode CAL1and first main common electrode CAR1 are parallel to each other.

In this example, like the example shown in FIG. 8, degradation indisplay quality can be suppressed on the video signal write start sideand the video signal write end side.

Next, a third structure example of the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view for describing the third structure example.FIG. 10 shows only the structural parts which are necessary for thedescription. The third structure example differs from the firststructure example in that, while the main pixel electrodes PA arelocated on the center line O from the first area A1 to fifth area A5 ofthe active area ACT, the storage capacitance line CN includes a firstelectrode portion EL1 which is opposed to the source line S1, and asecond electrode portion EL2 which is opposed to the source line S2, andthe widths of extension of first electrode portions EL1 and secondelectrode portions EL2 toward the main pixel electrodes PA are differentamong the first area A1 to fifth area A5. Although not described indetail, each source line is located between either of the electrodeportions of the storage capacitance line and the first main commonelectrode.

A more concrete description is now given. In the first area A1 on thewrite start side, for example, a storage capacitance line C1, which islocated between the gate line G1 and gate line G2, includes a firstelectrode portion EL11 and a second electrode portion EL12, which extendin the second direction Y between the gate line G1 and gate line G2. Thefirst electrode portion EL11 is spaced apart from the gate line G1 andgate line G2, and is located in a layer under the source line S1. Thesecond electrode portion EL12 is spaced apart from the gate line G1 andgate line G2, and is located in a layer under the source line S2. Awidth W11 of that portion of the first electrode portion EL11, whichextends from the edge of the source line S1 toward the main pixelelectrode PA1, is less than a width W12 of that portion of the secondelectrode portion EL12, which extends from the edge of the source lineS2 toward the main pixel electrode PA1. The distance between the firstelectrode portion EL11 and the main pixel electrode PA1 is greater thanthe distance between the second electrode portion EL12 and the mainpixel electrode PA1.

On the other hand, in the fifth area A5 on the write end side, forexample, a storage capacitance line C385, which is located between thegate line G385 and gate line G386, includes a first electrode portionEL51 and a second electrode portion EL52, which extend in the seconddirection Y between the gate line G385 and gate line G386. The firstelectrode portion EL51 is located in a layer under the source line S1,and the second electrode portion EL52 is located in a layer under thesource line S2. A width W51 of that portion of the first electrodeportion EL51, which extends from the edge of the source line S1 towardthe main pixel electrode PA5, is greater than a width W52 of thatportion of the second electrode portion EL52, which extends from theedge of the source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA5. Thedistance between the first electrode portion EL51 and the main pixelelectrode PA5 is less than the distance between the second electrodeportion EL52 and the main pixel electrode PA5.

In the third area A3, for example, a storage capacitance line C193,which is located between the gate line G193 and gate line G194, includesa first electrode portion EL31 and a second electrode portion EL32,which extend in the second direction Y between the gate line G193 andgate line G194. The first electrode portion EL31 is located in a layerunder the source line S1, and the second electrode portion EL32 islocated in a layer under the source line S2. A width W31 of that portionof the first electrode portion EL31, which extends from the edge of thesource line S1 toward the main pixel electrode PA3, is substantiallyequal to a width W32 of that portion of the second electrode portionEL32, which extends from the edge of the source line S2 toward the mainpixel electrode PA3. The distance between the first electrode portionEL31 and the main pixel electrode PA3 is substantially equal to thedistance between the second electrode portion EL32 and the main pixelelectrode PA3. In the second area A2, for example, a storage capacitanceline C97, which is located between the gate line G97 and gate line G98,includes a first electrode portion EL21 and a second electrode portionEL22, which extend in the second direction Y between the gate line G97and gate line G98. The first electrode portion EL21 is located in alayer under the source line S1, and the second electrode portion EL22 islocated in a layer under the source line S2. A width W21 of that portionof the first electrode portion EL21, which extends from the edge of thesource line S1 toward the main pixel electrode PA2, is less than a widthW22 of that portion of the second electrode portion EL22, which extendsfrom the edge of the source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA2.The distance between the first electrode portion EL21 and the main pixelelectrode PA2 is greater than the distance between the second electrodeportion EL22 and the main pixel electrode PA2. However, the differencebetween the width W21 and width W22 in the second area A2 is less thanthe difference between the width W11 and width W12 in the second areaA1. In short, the width W21 is greater than the width W11 and is lessthan the width W31. In addition, the width W22 is less than the widthW12 and is greater than the width W32. In the fourth area A4, forexample, a storage capacitance line C289, which is located between thegate line G289 and gate line G290, includes a first electrode portionEL41 and a second electrode portion EL42, which extend in the seconddirection Y between the gate line G289 and gate line G290. The firstelectrode portion EL41 is located in a layer under the source line S1,and the second electrode portion EL42 is located in a layer under thesource line S2. A width W41 of that portion of the first electrodeportion EL41, which extends from the edge of the source line S1 towardthe main pixel electrode PA4, is greater than a width W42 of thatportion of the second electrode portion EL42, which extends from theedge of the source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA4. Thedistance between the first electrode portion EL41 and the main pixelelectrode PA4 is less than the distance between the second electrodeportion EL42 and the main pixel electrode PA4. However, the differencebetween the width W41 and width W42 in the fourth area A4 is less thanthe difference between the width W51 and width W52 in the fifth area A5.In short, the width W41 is greater than the width W31 and is less thanthe width W51. In addition, the width W42 is less than the width W32 andis greater than the width W52.

In this manner, when attention is paid to the locations of the firstelectrode portion EL1 opposed to the source line S1 and the secondelectrode portion EL2 opposed to the source line S2, the secondelectrode portion EL2 opposed to the source line S2, which is notelectrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA, extends towardthe main pixel electrode PA with a greater width, on the write startside, than the first electrode portion EL1 opposed to the source line S1which is electrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA. Towardthe write end side from the write start side, the width of extension ofthe second electrode portion EL2 toward the main pixel electrode PAgradually decreases, and the width of extension of the first electrodeportion EL1 toward the main pixel electrode PA gradually increases. Onthe write end side, the first electrode portion EL1 extends toward themain pixel electrode PA with a greater width than the second electrodeportion EL2. Incidentally, in each of the first area A1 to fifth areaA5, the widths of extension of the first electrode portion EL1 andsecond electrode portion EL2 toward the main pixel electrode PA may notnecessarily be fixed.

According to this third structure example, on the write start side, aleak electric field from the source line S2, which is on the side thatis not connected to the main pixel electrode PA, can be shielded by thefirst main common electrode CAR1 which is located in a layer above thesource line S2 and the second electrode portion EL2 which is located ina layer under the source line S2. On the write end side, a leak electricfield from the source line S1, which is on the side that is connected tothe main pixel electrode PA, can be shielded by the first main commonelectrode CAL′ which is located in a layer above the source line S1 andthe first electrode portion EL1 which is located in a layer under thesource line S1. Therefore, degradation in display quality can besuppressed.

Next, a fourth structure example of the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view for describing the fourth structure example.FIG. 11 shows only the structural parts which are necessary for thedescription. The fourth structure example differs from the firststructure example in that, while the main pixel electrodes PA arelocated on the center line O from the first area A1 to fifth area A5 ofthe active area ACT, the source line S1 includes a first contact portionCT1 and the source line S2 includes a second contact portion CT2, andthe widths of extension of first contact portion CT1 and second contactportion CT2 toward the main pixel electrodes PA are different among thefirst area A1 to fifth area A5.

A more concrete description is now given. In the first area A1 on thewrite start side, the source line S1 includes a first contact portionCT11 which is put in contact with a semiconductor layer SC11 that iselectrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA1. The source lineS2 includes a second contact portion CT12 which is put in contact with asemiconductor layer SC12 of a neighboring pixel. A width W11 of thatportion of the first contact portion CT11, which extends from the edgeof the source line S1 toward the main pixel electrode PA1, is greaterthan a width W12 of that portion of the second contact portion CT12,which extends from the edge of the source line S2 toward the main pixelelectrode PA1. The distance between the first contact portion CT11 andthe main pixel electrode PA1 is less than the distance between thesecond contact portion CT12 and the main pixel electrode PA1.

On the other hand, in the fifth area A5 on the write end side, thesource line S1 includes a first contact portion CT51 which is put incontact with a semiconductor layer SC51 that is electrically connectedto the main pixel electrode PA5. The source line S2 includes a secondcontact portion CT52 which is put in contact with a semiconductor layerSC52 of a neighboring pixel. A width W51 of that portion of the firstcontact portion CT51, which extends from the edge of the source line S1toward the main pixel electrode PA5, is less than a width W52 of thatportion of the second contact portion CT52, which extends from the edgeof the source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA5. The distancebetween the first contact portion CT51 and the main pixel electrode PA5is greater than the distance between the second contact portion CT52 andthe main pixel electrode PA5.

In the third area A3, the source line S1 includes a first contactportion CT31 which is put in contact with a semiconductor layer SC31that is electrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA3. Thesource line S2 includes a second contact portion CT32 which is put incontact with a semiconductor layer SC32 of a neighboring pixel. A widthW31 of that portion of the first contact portion CT31, which extendsfrom the edge of the source line S1 toward the main pixel electrode PA3,is substantially equal to a width W32 of that portion of the secondcontact portion CT32, which extends from the edge of the source line S2toward the main pixel electrode PA3. The distance between the firstcontact portion CT31 and the main pixel electrode PA3 is substantiallyequal to the distance between the second contact portion CT32 and themain pixel electrode PA3. In the second area A2, the source line S1includes a first contact portion CT21 which is put in contact with asemiconductor layer SC21 that is electrically connected to the mainpixel electrode PA2. The source line S2 includes a second contactportion CT22 which is put in contact with a semiconductor layer SC22 ofa neighboring pixel. A width W21 of that portion of the first contactportion CT21, which extends from the edge of the source line S1 towardthe main pixel electrode PA2, is greater than a width W22 of thatportion of the second contact portion CT22, which extends from the edgeof the source line S2 toward the main pixel electrode PA2. The distancebetween the first contact portion CT21 and the main pixel electrode PA2is less than the distance between the second contact portion CT22 andthe main pixel electrode PA2. However, the difference between the widthW21 and width W22 in the second area A2 is less than the differencebetween the width W11 and width W12 in the second area A1. In short, thewidth W21 is greater than the width W31 and is less than the width W11.In addition, the width W22 is less than the width W32 and is greaterthan the width W12. In the fourth area A4, the source line S1 includes afirst contact portion CT41 which is put in contact with a semiconductorlayer SC41 that is electrically connected to the main pixel electrodePA4. The source line S2 includes a second contact portion CT42 which isput in contact with a semiconductor layer SC42 of a neighboring pixel. Awidth W41 of that portion of the first contact portion CT41, whichextends from the edge of the source line S1 toward the main pixelelectrode PA4, is less than a width W42 of that portion of the secondcontact portion CT42, which extends from the edge of the source line S2toward the main pixel electrode PA4. The distance between the firstcontact portion CT41 and the main pixel electrode PA4 is greater thanthe distance between the second contact portion CT42 and the main pixelelectrode PA4. However, the difference between the width W41 and widthW42 in the fourth area A4 is less than the difference between the widthW51 and width W52 in the fifth area A5. In short, the width W41 isgreater than the width W51 and is less than the width W31. In addition,the width W42 is less than the width W52 and is greater than the widthW32.

In this manner, when attention is paid to the locations of the firstcontact portion CT1 of the source line S1 and the second contact portionCT2 of the source line S2, the first contact portion CT1 of the sourceline S1, which is electrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA,extends toward the main pixel electrode PA with a greater width, on thewrite start side, than the second contact portion CT2 of the source lineS2 which is not electrically connected to the main pixel electrode PA.Toward the write end side from the write start side, the width ofextension of the first contact portion CT1 toward the main pixelelectrode PA gradually decreases, and the width of extension of thesecond contact portion CT2 toward the main pixel electrode PA graduallyincreases. On the write end side, the second contact portion CT2 extendstoward the main pixel electrode PA with a greater width than the firstcontact portion CT1. Incidentally, in each of the first area A1 to fiftharea A5, the widths of extension of the first contact portion CT1 andsecond contact portion CT2 toward the main pixel electrode PA may notnecessarily be fixed.

According to this fourth structure example, on the write start side, thesecond contact portion CT2 of the source line S2, which is on the sidethat is not connected to the main pixel electrode PA, is away from themain pixel electrode PA. Thus, the influence of a leak electric fieldfrom the second contact portion CT2 can be relaxed. In addition, on thewrite end side, the first contact portion CT1 of the source line S1,which is on the side that is connected to the main pixel electrode PA,is away from the main pixel electrode PA. Thus, the influence of a leakelectric field from the first contact portion CT1 can be relaxed.Therefore, degradation in display quality can be suppressed.

The first to fourth structure examples have been described above. Two ormore of these structure examples may be combined.

Next, the advantageous effects of the present embodiment were verified.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the definition of a crosstalk ratiowhich is introduced in the present embodiment. Specifically, in the casewhere a rectangular window WDW was displayed at a substantially centralpart of the active area ACT and black display or white display waseffected in the window WDW and intermediate-color display was effectedon a peripheral part of the window WDW, luminances around the window WDWwere measured. The luminances at four locations indicated in FIG. 12were W1, W2, W3 and W4, respectively. In addition, in the case where thesame intermediate color was displayed on the entirety of the same activearea ACT, luminances at the same four locations as in the above casewere measured. The luminances at the four locations indicated in FIG. 12were G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. At this time, the crosstalk ratiois defined by:

crosstalk ratio=|W(n)−G(n)|/G(n)×100 (wherein n=1˜4)

Crosstalk ratios were measured with respect to the above-describedcomparative example and the first structure example of the embodimentshown in FIG. 6. When the crosstalk ratio of the comparative example wasnormalized to 1, the crosstalk ratio of the first structure example was0.69. It was thus confirmed that according to the present embodiment,the crosstalk was successfully be decreased.

In the present embodiment, the description has been given of the liquidcrystal display panel LPN which is configured such that the pixelelectrodes PE are formed on the array substrate AR, and at least a partof the common electrode CE is formed on the counter-substrate CT. Theabove-described structure examples, however, are also applicable to aliquid crystal display panel which is constructed by combining an arraysubstrate on which the pixel electrodes PE and first common electrodeCE1 are formed and a counter substrate CT on which no common electrodeis formed. As has been described above, according to the presentembodiment, a liquid crystal display device, which can suppressdegradation in display quality, can be provided.

Other modes of the present embodiment are additionally described below.

(1) A liquid crystal display device including:

a first substrate including a first source line and a second source linewhich are disposed with a distance in a first direction and extend in asecond direction perpendicular to the first direction from a first areaon a video signal write start side to a second area on a video signalwrite end side, a first main pixel electrode of a strip shape which iselectrically connected to the first source line in the first area, islocated between the first source line and the second source line andextends in the second direction, a second main pixel electrode of astrip shape which is electrically connected to the first source line inthe second area, is located between the first source line and the secondsource line and extends in the second direction, a first main commonelectrode opposed to the first source line, and a second main commonelectrode having the same potential as the first main common electrodeand opposed to the second source line, the first source line including afirst contact portion extending with a first width toward the first mainpixel electrode, the second source line including a second contactportion extending with a second width, which is less than the firstwidth, toward the first main pixel electrode, the first source linefurther including a third contact portion extending with a third widthtoward the second main pixel electrode, and the second source linefurther including a fourth contact portion extending with a fourthwidth, which is greater than the third width, toward the second mainpixel electrode;

a second substrate disposed to be opposed to the first substrate; and

a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate.

(2) The liquid crystal display device of (1), wherein the firstsubstrate further includes a third main pixel electrode of a strip shapewhich is electrically connected to the first source line in a third areabetween the first area and the second area, is located between the firstsource line and the second source line and extends in the seconddirection, the first source line includes a fifth contact portionextending with a fifth width toward the third main pixel electrode, andthe second source line includes a sixth contact portion extending with asixth width, which is substantially equal to the fifth width, toward thethird main pixel electrode.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display device comprising: afirst substrate including a first source line and a second source linewhich are disposed with a distance in a first direction and extend in asecond direction perpendicular to the first direction from a first areaon a video signal write start side to a second area on a video signalwrite end side, a first main pixel electrode of a strip shape which iselectrically connected to the first source line in the first area, islocated between the first source line and the second source line andextends in the second direction, a second main pixel electrode of astrip shape which is electrically connected to the first source line inthe second area, is located between the first source line and the secondsource line and extends in the second direction, a first main commonelectrode opposed to the first source line, and a second main commonelectrode having the same potential as the first main common electrodeand opposed to the second source line, the first substrate beingconfigured such that a first distance between the first main pixelelectrode and the first source line is less than a second distancebetween the first main pixel electrode and the second source line, and athird distance between the second main pixel electrode and the firstsource line is greater than a fourth distance between the second mainpixel electrode and the second source line; a second substrate disposedto be opposed to the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer heldbetween the first substrate and the second substrate.
 2. The liquidcrystal display device of claim 1, wherein the first substrate furtherincludes a third main pixel electrode of a strip shape which iselectrically connected to the first source line in a third area betweenthe first area and the second area, is located between the first sourceline and the second source line and extends in the second direction, anda fifth distance between the third main pixel electrode and the firstsource line is substantially equal to a sixth distance between the thirdmain pixel electrode and the second source line.
 3. The liquid crystaldisplay device of claim 1, wherein there are provided one said firstmain pixel electrode and one said second main pixel electrode.
 4. Theliquid crystal display device of claim 1, wherein the first source lineis supplied with a video signal of a positive polarity in a first frameand is supplied with a video signal of a negative polarity in a secondframe which follows the first frame, and the second source line issupplied with a video signal of a negative polarity in the first frameand is supplied with a video signal of a positive polarity in the secondframe.
 5. The liquid crystal display device of claim 1, wherein thesecond substrate further includes a third main common electrode havingthe same potential as the first main common electrode and opposed to thefirst main common electrode, and a fourth main common electrode havingthe same potential as the second main common electrode and opposed tothe second main common electrode.
 6. The liquid crystal display deviceof claim 5, wherein the first substrate further includes a firstsub-common electrode which is continuous with the first main commonelectrode and the second main common electrode and extends in the firstdirection, and the second substrate further includes a second sub-commonelectrode having the same potential as the first sub-common electrodeand opposed to the first sub-common electrode.
 7. A liquid crystaldisplay device comprising: a first substrate including a first sourceline and a second source line which are disposed with a distance in afirst direction and extend in a second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction from a first area on a video signal write start side toa second area on a video signal write end side, a first main pixelelectrode of a strip shape which is electrically connected to the firstsource line in the first area, is located between the first source lineand the second source line and extends in the second direction, a secondmain pixel electrode of a strip shape which is electrically connected tothe first source line in the second area, is located between the firstsource line and the second source line and extends in the seconddirection, a first main common electrode opposed to the first sourceline, and a second main common electrode having the same potential asthe first main common electrode and opposed to the second source line,the first substrate being configured such that a first width of thatportion of the first main common electrode, which extends from the firstsource line toward the first main pixel electrode, is less than a secondwidth of that portion of the second main common electrode, which extendsfrom the second source line toward the first main pixel electrode, and athird width of that portion of the first main common electrode, whichextends from the first source line toward the second main pixelelectrode, is greater than a fourth width of that portion of the secondmain common electrode, which extends from the second source line towardthe second main pixel electrode; a second substrate disposed to beopposed to the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer held betweenthe first substrate and the second substrate.
 8. The liquid crystaldisplay device of claim 7, wherein the first substrate further includesa third main pixel electrode of a strip shape which is electricallyconnected to the first source line in a third area between the firstarea and the second area, is located between the first source line andthe second source line and extends in the second direction, and a fifthwidth of that portion of the first main common electrode, which extendsfrom the first source line toward the third main pixel electrode, issubstantially equal to a sixth width of that portion of the second maincommon electrode, which extends from the second source line toward thethird main pixel electrode.
 9. The liquid crystal display device ofclaim 7, wherein there are provided one said first main pixel electrodeand one said second main pixel electrode.
 10. The liquid crystal displaydevice of claim 7, wherein the first source line is supplied with avideo signal of a positive polarity in a first frame and is suppliedwith a video signal of a negative polarity in a second frame whichfollows the first frame, and the second source line is supplied with avideo signal of a negative polarity in the first frame and is suppliedwith a video signal of a positive polarity in the second frame.
 11. Theliquid crystal display device of claim 7, wherein the second substratefurther includes a third main common electrode having the same potentialas the first main common electrode and opposed to the first main commonelectrode, and a fourth main common electrode having the same potentialas the second main common electrode and opposed to the second maincommon electrode.
 12. The liquid crystal display device of claim 11,wherein the first substrate further includes a first sub-commonelectrode which is continuous with the first main common electrode andthe second main common electrode and extends in the first direction, andthe second substrate further includes a second sub-common electrodehaving the same potential as the first sub-common electrode and opposedto the first sub-common electrode.
 13. A liquid crystal display devicecomprising: a first substrate including a first storage capacitance linelocated in a first area on a video signal write start side and extendingin a first direction, a second storage capacitance line located in asecond area on a video signal write end side and extending in the firstdirection, a first source line and a second source line which aredisposed with a distance in the first direction and extend in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction from the first area tothe second area, a first main pixel electrode of a strip shape which iselectrically connected to the first source line in the first area, islocated between the first source line and the second source line andextends in the second direction, a second main pixel electrode of astrip shape which is electrically connected to the first source line inthe second area, is located between the first source line and the secondsource line and extends in the second direction, a first main commonelectrode opposed to the first source line, and a second main commonelectrode having the same potential as the first main common electrodeand opposed to the second source line, the first storage capacitanceline including a first electrode portion extending with a first widthtoward the first main pixel electrode from the first source line, and asecond electrode portion extending with a second width, which is greaterthan the first width, toward the first main pixel electrode from thesecond source line, and the second storage capacitance line including athird electrode portion extending with a third width toward the secondmain pixel electrode from the first source line, and a fourth electrodeportion extending with a fourth width, which is less than the thirdwidth, toward the second main pixel electrode from the second sourceline; a second substrate disposed to be opposed to the first substrate;and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and thesecond substrate.
 14. The liquid crystal display device of claim 13,wherein the first substrate further includes a third storage capacitanceline located in a third area between the first area and the second areaand extending in the first direction, and a third main pixel electrodeof a strip shape which is electrically connected to the first sourceline in the third area, is located between the first source line and thesecond source line and extends in the second direction, and the thirdstorage capacitance line includes a fifth electrode portion extendingwith a fifth width toward the third main pixel electrode from the firstsource line, and a sixth electrode portion extending with a sixth width,which is substantially equal to the fifth width, toward the third mainpixel electrode from the second source line.
 15. The liquid crystaldisplay device of claim 13, wherein there are provided one said firstmain pixel electrode and one said second main pixel electrode.
 16. Theliquid crystal display device of claim 13, wherein the first source lineis supplied with a video signal of a positive polarity in a first frameand is supplied with a video signal of a negative polarity in a secondframe which follows the first frame, and the second source line issupplied with a video signal of a negative polarity in the first frameand is supplied with a video signal of a positive polarity in the secondframe.
 17. The liquid crystal display device of claim 13, wherein thesecond substrate further includes a third main common electrode havingthe same potential as the first main common electrode and opposed to thefirst main common electrode, and a fourth main common electrode havingthe same potential as the second main common electrode and opposed tothe second main common electrode.
 18. The liquid crystal display deviceof claim 17, wherein the first substrate further includes a firstsub-common electrode which is continuous with the first main commonelectrode and the second main common electrode and extends in the firstdirection, and the second substrate further includes a second sub-commonelectrode having the same potential as the first sub-common electrodeand opposed to the first sub-common electrode.
 19. The liquid crystaldisplay device of claim 13, wherein the first source line includes afirst contact portion extending with a first width toward the first mainpixel electrode, the second source line includes a second contactportion extending with a second width, which is less than the firstwidth, toward the first main pixel electrode, the first source linefurther includes a third contact portion extending with a third widthtoward the second main pixel electrode, and the second source linefurther includes a fourth contact portion extending with a fourth width,which is greater than the third width, toward the second main pixelelectrode.
 20. The liquid crystal display device of claim 19, whereinthe first substrate further includes a third main pixel electrode of astrip shape which is electrically connected to the first source line ina third area between the first area and the second area, is locatedbetween the first source line and the second source line and extends inthe second direction, the first source line includes a fifth contactportion extending with a fifth width toward the third main pixelelectrode, and the second source line includes a sixth contact portionextending with a sixth width, which is substantially equal to the fifthwidth, toward the third main pixel electrode.